Female-Run TV Dramas Dominate NAACP Image Awards Nominations

Whichever show wins the NAACP’s Image Award for best dramatic TV series in February, a woman will be onstage to accept the trophy. That’s because all five of this year’s nominated shows have a female executive producer or showrunner.

It’s been a banner year for black-themed dramas and the women who produce them. “It’s something to be celebrated,” said Courtney Kemp Agboh, EP and showrunner of Starz’s sophomore hit Power, which is one of the nominated series. “The key is to encourage other women and let them know that they can make it. The goal is to let other women know that they can reach these goals. And as a showrunner, it’s nice to be in a position to be able to help other women.”

In addition to Power, the other dramas nominated for the Image Award – all of which have female executive producers – are ABC’s Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder; Fox’s Empire and BET’s Being Mary Jane. All five series also have employed female writers and directors. The 47th annual Image Awards will be handed out February 5 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium